Initial applications from prospective operators were required to be hand-delivered to the state Department of Public Health on Thursday.

A law approved by Massachusetts voters last November allows a maximum of 35 dispensaries around the state to provide marijuana to patients with medical conditions such as cancer, Parkinson's Disease and AIDS.

During the first phase of a two-part process, state public health officials will conduct background checks and screen applicants for financial viability.

Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett said the department hopes to complete the initial review by mid-September and award licenses by the end of the year.

Applicants were not required to specify locations for proposed dispensaries during the first phase of the process.